New research reveals less can be more with nutrition for young Aussie kids

Whilst starting early with the right balance of energy and nutrients for your toddler helps lay the foundations for a healthy future, it can be challenging to ensure your toddler is getting the right quantity and quality of nutrients – particularly when on the go. Always ensure they have three 'main' meals a day and don't underestimate the role of snacks. Healthy nibbles between meals can give your toddler a steady stream of nutrients throughout the day like crackers and cheese, smoothies, yoghurts, and fresh fruit. Toddler milks like S-26 GOLD TODDLER are also versatile as they can be used on their own , added to smoothies, yoghurts and custards – or even included in cooking which can be enriched by adding the powder into mixtures . The below recipe is suitable for children aged from 12 months.

Pikelets

Ingredients:

350mL water

4 scoops S-26 GOLD TODDLER powder

1 egg

125g plain wholemeal flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

Oil for frying

Method:

Mix all ingredients together to make a smooth batter. Place 1 tablespoon lots in a non stick fry pan and turn each pikelet when bubbles appear on the surface. Serve with fresh fruit and yoghurt.

Experts back starting right nutrition early for a healthy future

More doesn't necessarily mean better with children's nutrition according to new research findings from NOURISH (KNOwledge, UndeRstanding & Insights into CHild Nutrition), a global survey funded by Pfizer Nutrition, makers of S-26 GOLD Toddler milk drink.

NOURISH reveals three-quarters (75%) of Australian paediatricians, paediatric nurses, GPs and nurse practitioners feel it is possible for infants and toddlers to have too much of some nutrients, even if they're needed for development.

Interestingly, nearly two-thirds (~65%) of Australian healthcare professionals (HCPs) claim the parents they see are also concerned their infant or toddler is getting too much of some nutrients. This is almost double that claimed by their UK counterparts (33%).

Commenting on the findings, accredited practicing dietitian and infant nutritionist, Kate di Prima says parents need to recognise the importance of starting their child on a sound nutritional path early for a healthy lifestyle in the future:

"There needs to be a careful balance of nutrients to optimise healthy growth and development in children," Ms di Prima said. "It is possible for children to over-consume certain nutrients, such as energy provided by excess protein, carbohydrate and fat. There are recommended nutrient levels specific for each age group, including toddlers, and it is important that they consume the correct amounts for healthy growth."

Similar to global trends, almost all Australian HCPs surveyed (~90%) agree in the value of obtaining an optimal balance of essential nutrients for infants and toddlers, including proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

NOURISH also confirms Australian HCPs believe a strong link exists between good nutrition in childhood and long-term wellbeing and health. An overwhelming majority (~98%) of HCPs agree early nutrition has an impact on health outcomes later in life - a view they believe Aussie parents share, with (85%) confident the parents they see are generally well-informed about their child's nutritional needs and understand the impact early nutrition has on health later in life.

Ms di Prima continues: "Many parents today are aware of the relationship between early nutrition and the long-term health of their children. They do actively seek advice from HCP's - but the challenge remains to help guide parents to give their children the right balance of nutrients - both quality and quantity."